The team behind a nursery school rebuild near Deal are tackling it one brick at a time.

After four decades based in the village hall, Kingsdown Preschool has now secured planning permission for a new premises within the grounds of Kingsdown and Ringwould Primary School.

But as a private setting, it will receive no support from Kent County Council and must therefore raise the entire £200,000-£250,000 cost themselves.

The committee has launched a buy a brick campaign, appealing to members of the public to chip in by purchasing one brick for £10.

In return, each contributor will be recognised on a plaque when the new site is unveiled.

Chairman Amy Bridges said: "We are a very small charity, pop-up preschool but after 40 plus years of working out of the village hall we now feel it is time for us to move to a bigger purpose built building in the heart of the village.

"The children and staff will benefit immensely, especially with features like free flow outside space, close ties to the main school and new resources.

"We'll also be able to offer flexible opening times, a safer environment, drop off and pick up lobby and disabled and pushchair access"

"We'll also be able to offer flexible opening times, a safer environment, drop off and pick up lobby and disabled and pushchair access."

Two grants have already been secured - £20,000 from Garfield Western Foundation and £10,000 from Kingsdown Parish Council.

A further £1,000 has been donated via a JustGiving page and events such as Walmer, Horse and Dog Show have pledged support by selecting the preschool as one of its chosen charities for 2020.

Dance with Danni will perform an acro-dance show, with all proceeds going to the cause.

Fundraising will also take place at the preschool's annual Easter egg trail - open to all - on Saturday, April 11 from 1pm until 3pm.

Ms Bridges added: "We hope to raise £100,000 ourselves and then apply for a mortgage to cover the rest.

"But the smaller the mortgage we can get, the better."

It is hoped work could begin by summer 2021.

Kingsdown Preschool's annual open day will be on Tuesday, March 24 from 9.30am until 11.30am.

For more information or to share your fundraising ideas email kingsdownpreschool@gmail.com

To donate click here

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